President Ruto Defends Fuel Pricing Measures Amid Global Oil Price Surge
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 15 — President William Ruto has defended the government’s recent fuel pricing interventions, stating that they are aimed at shielding Kenyans from the rising cost of living driven by global oil price volatility.
Speaking during a development tour in Kisii, the President said the government-to-government (G2G) fuel import arrangement has enhanced Kenya’s competitiveness in the regional fuel market while ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products.
He noted that the initiative has helped minimize shortages and reduce the risk of market manipulation.
“As I speak, some countries don’t even have fuel, but here in Kenya, we have enough. We have put in place a subsidy to ensure that high costs do not reach the common citizen,” Ruto said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to cushioning citizens from economic shocks.
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The President emphasized that authorities are closely monitoring both global and domestic fuel trends to maintain economic stability, particularly in key sectors such as transport that are heavily reliant on fuel.
In a parallel move, the government has reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16 percent to 13 percent. Additionally, Sh6.2 billion has been allocated from the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund to stabilize fuel prices during the current review period running from April 15 to May 14, 2026.
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the tax relief applies to Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene, forming part of broader efforts to ease pressure on consumers.
Despite these measures, EPRA acknowledged continued pressure from global markets. The average landed cost of Super Petrol rose by over 41 percent between February and March 2026, while Diesel and Kerosene prices surged significantly.
Kenya remains fully dependent on imported refined petroleum, making it vulnerable to international price fluctuations and exchange rate shifts.
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